PLN Members: Tena Edlin, Ann Gookin, Cathy Kaska, Dee Ann Lantz, Jennifer Mangler.
We will develop a PLN (professional/passionate learning network) to explore different ways to increase/improve student engagement. Throughout the year this PLN will discuss books, articles & issues that tie in with current FMS initiatives: differentation, assessment, technology, and literacy. Each quarter our reading, discussion and reflection will focus on a different theme. The PLN will also utilize a variety of different technologies to explore how they can be used to connect with each other in a professional capacity as well as to engage learners. These technologies may include (but are not limited to) Wiki discussion boards & Twitter chats.
Rationale for the Plan Developing a more positive academic culture that encourages creativity, collaboration and engagement is our priority. Pursuing this goal as a PLN is the best way to focus our efforts and learn how to better achieve this goal. We have determined this is a necessary step in our professional growth for the following reasons:
Our goal is to create lifelong learners who are able to adapt to changing environments. The vision FCSD has for its learners states that “FCSD will be the world’s dreamers, thinkers, and leaders.” Learning how to better engage students and help them take ownership of their own learning is critical to this goal.
Offering choice in professional development gives ownership of learning to teachers, making professional development a student-centered classroom, with teachers as the students. PD should be differentiated for teachers, just like we differentiate for students.
PLNs focused on a common goal create incredibly powerful professional relationships. By joining together across disciplines and grade levels we are sharing our expertise and becoming resources for each other. We are developing strong habits of collaboration that will carry through into all aspects of our careers.
In working together to devise & follow through on this plan we are being Teacher Leaders in the very best sense of the word: We are taking the initiative to pursue areas we need to address rather than waiting to be told what to do or how to do it.
Timeline & Indicators of Progress
Individual Reflection: Each PLN member is committed to being a reflective reader. We will use our reflections to guide our participation in our Wiki discussions and face-to-face discussions. One example of evidence is the Discussion Guide. At the conclusion of each book each PLN member will reflect on what s/he’s read and discussed and devise a plan for how to use what s/he’s learned at the conclusion of each book.
Twitter chats. We hold a Twitter chat at the end of each quarter. Twitter chats will use the hashtag #fmspln. The archives will be compiled and shared on the FMS Twitter Chat Archive page.
PLN Members: Tena Edlin, Ann Gookin, Cathy Kaska, Dee Ann Lantz, Jennifer Mangler.
We will develop a PLN (professional/passionate learning network) to explore different ways to increase/improve student engagement. Throughout the year this PLN will discuss books, articles & issues that tie in with current FMS initiatives: differentation, assessment, technology, and literacy. Each quarter our reading, discussion and reflection will focus on a different theme. The PLN will also utilize a variety of different technologies to explore how they can be used to connect with each other in a professional capacity as well as to engage learners. These technologies may include (but are not limited to) Wiki discussion boards & Twitter chats.
Rationale for the Plan
Developing a more positive academic culture that encourages creativity, collaboration and engagement is our priority. Pursuing this goal as a PLN is the best way to focus our efforts and learn how to better achieve this goal. We have determined this is a necessary step in our professional growth for the following reasons:
Timeline & Indicators of Progress
Contact Information
If you need to contact all members of the PLN use the email FMS-PLN@fairfieldsfuture.org.
Help for PLN Members
Book Discussion Guide: If you would like to use Tena's book Discussion Guide you can open and download it here: